Gay wisconsin
11 facts about the Wisconsin LGBTQ community you might not have known, until now
Wisconsin has a extended and rich history of advocacy when it comes to LGBTQ rights, dating assist well before the Stonewall Riots in 1969 spurred national activism for the lgbtq+ community.
But much of the state's history is not well-known to its residents, despite Wisconsin being a place of many "firsts" for LGBTQ individuals.
Wisconsin was the first to pass anti-discrimination legislation for the LGBTQ community, as well as the first state to elect three openly LGBTQ representatives to Congress.
While these facts only scratch the surface, here are 11 things you might not have known about Wisconsin's LGBTQ community and its history.
1. LGBTQ recorded history in Wisconsin dates to an arrest in 1894
One of the earliest records of the LGBTQ collective in Wisconsin is from Black River Falls in 1894.
Frank Blunt was arrested and jailed for one year after stealing $175 from a Milwaukee business. During his arrest, it was made known he had previously identified as a woman and was married to a woman named Gertrude Field.
Similar cases are record
Wisconsin LGBTQ Explore Guide
Wisconsin is a unique mix of urban and rural areas, medium-sized cities, and miniature towns. Everyone can find somewhere flawless for them to visit our mention. Whether it is the nightlife and festivals in Milwaukee, the unique neighborhoods in Madison, the beautiful colors of Door County, or the small town Main Streets — there is a place for everyone!
Whatever your reasons for visiting Wisconsin — be it business or leisure — we’re so elated to welcome you!
When you're ready to begin planning your travels, be sure to do so through welcoming & inclusive businesses that want to attend the LGBTQ and allied community. Here are a few speedy links to support you find the places to continue , eat, and participate while in Wisconsin. When searching, you can narrow by zip code or city to detect the places nearest to where you’re traveling in the state.
You can also search our entire Business Directory for hundreds of other businesses and services you may need during your visit. Simply select the appropriate category or contact the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce directly at (414) 678-9275 for a recommendation or a list of businesses that fit what you are looking
Documenting the History of the LGBTQ Community in Wisconsin
Since 1994, the Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project has been documenting, preserving and celebrating the heritage of local male lover, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. Today, we are the state's largest digital repository of LGBTQ media.
We are an independent, self-funded, volunteer-operated, not-for-profit organization. Our mission is to reconnect Wisconsin with its lost heritage and secret history, through ongoing research, presentations, publications, walking tours, and online resources. We offer all of these services at no charge to the community.
Wisconsin's Equality Profile
Gender Identity
of population
fully protected
of population only
partially
protected
- State
Protections - County
Protections - City
Protections - No
Protections - Protections
Banned
Legend
County map only shows areas with packed protections for gender identity (i.e., discrimination prohibited in intimate employment, housing, and public accommodations)
City and County Numbers:
0 counties out of 72 have an ordinance prohibiting discrimination based on gender persona in private employment, housing, and general accommodations (full protections).
10 cities have an ordinance prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity in secret employment, housing, and public accommodations (full protections).
4 municipalities, not including those listed above, have an ordinance prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity in intimate employment, housing, or public accommodations (only partial protections). Watch table below.
21% of the express population is protected against discrimination based on gender persona in private employment, housing, and universal accommodations (full protections).
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